murphy's law

beyond all limits you have strained your nerves
there's nothing for it but to get things done
you've told the stories got the concepts spun
avoided all detours and needless swerves
your critics have got what a bastard deserves
it's the key moment you're under the gun
this is the ultimate test the true first run
you're going to unleash all of your reserves
but now the sky's gone cloudy grey and black
the air's gone cold and everywhere is gloom
what could have gone awry at this late hour
it's almost as if you've come under attack
your triumph turned into an early tomb
and all that's sweet has turned nasty and sour

the other world

who can tell what rivers end in a hidden sea
with waves of which no legend's ever spoken
on unsung shore's eternally they've broken
to which the ghosts and fairies always flee
on some low coastal hill an ancient great tree
stands almost silent a barely-rustling token
long-standing keeper of a place unwoken
and servant to a barely-heard decree
of gods unmentioned and of powers unknown
the place is kept especial and apart
no ship of men or women rides those waves
no human skin has felt the wind that's blown
over those waters and no human heart
will beat in concord with those unfading staves